Recent N.J. rainfall might prevent drought warning

Joe Espstein/The Star-LedgerRain and drizzle did not keep fans of The Jonas brothers from coming out to see them play softball at Bears Stadium on Monday. The recent rainfall has boosted the level of New Jersey reservoirs.

Five inches of rain fell over the weekend. That helped boost United Water's Oradell Reservoir from low levels to the usual average for this time of year.

United Water spokesman Rich Henning says the reservoir is at 72 percent capacity compared to 42 percent on Saturday.

In the wake of a hot, dry summer, the state issued a drought watch on Aug. 5 for Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Morris and Essex counties. Residents were asked to voluntarily reduce water use.

Environmental Protection Department scientist Steve Doughty says the water supply division would likely recommend keeping the watch in place. But the scientist doesn't believe mandatory restrictions imposed by a warning would be needed.